One more chime in here... The Canon and Nikon will run neck-and-neck. They're equally performing cameras. Run down to the local camera shop, feel both in your hands. Close your eyes and run your hands over the buttons. Are they logically placed, and do they feel right in your hands?
I also shoot a Canon 20D, and absolutely LOVE it. The Rebel XT is too small for my hands, but I "grew up" on Canon's film SLRs, before small and digital were cool. My Canon's been hiking, to the ocean, in the snow, across a river, in a helicopter, everywhere!
My personal preference is to save money and not get the kit lens. They simply aren't as good as other versatile lenses, but then you're talking more money. The Canon 17-85mm IS or 28-135mm IS are extremely versatile lenses, but you're going to pay for them. I also recognize that I represent the higher-expectations crowd, and I'm starting to shop for Canon's world famous "L" lenses. I don't say that to be elitist, but so you have a basis as to why I prefer to shy away from the kit lenses. The only kit lens I've ever owned also broke, so go figure.
With either Canon or Nikon, you can't go wrong. They are the dual-industry-leaders for a reason.
And I highly recommend bhphotovideo.com, as well. They've been nothing less than perfect for me.